Rest Ideas for Neurodivergent Burnout

Hello @Wintersweet, I’ve found that when I’m in burnout I need to bring things right back to the absolute basics. I struggle to think about exercise, eating properly, getting things done, or doing “recovery” activities because they just become things I feel like I’m failing at.

For me it’s more about finding what the absolute minimum things I need right now are. Things like getting some food in me regardless if it's healthy or not, drinking something, having a shower if I can, getting dressed, sitting somewhere other than bed, getting outside for a few minutes to feel grounded.

I also think rest doesn’t have to mean laying in bed doing nothing. If that makes you spiral, something low demand but slightly engaging might actually be better. Maybe watching a comfort movie or show, listening to some music or an audiobook, colouring or doing a simple craft, playing a game, sitting somewhere with a coffee or drink etc.

Once things are feeling a little more regulated, then you can start thinking about the bigger things again. But when I’m really in burnout, I find trying to do all the “right” things can actually add another layer of pressure. Sometimes getting through the day with the basics is more than enough ❤️.

Howdy @Wintersweet ,

We all need support and here is a good way of finding that. I am gaining a lot from it myself and hearing others issues.

No expert by any means but even think of 1 thing you can change to improve things right now. A full 180 can be disruptive. Eating better could be it and give you more energy. Or even a good supplement like Fish oil has its benefits. Maybe try one change with food, like more vegetable or one less take away. Could not hurt and really hope I have been of some help here.

Sing out if you feel I could be of help, got my issues too and also have a fitness background with never having a car license ever with doing a lot of manual activities owning a decent amount of land on a hill along with walking being my mode of transport mostly.

Little steps

Hi @Wintersweet

Do you have any friends or family that may be able to help out? When I feel so down and like I cant do anything my sister always finds a way to get me up, whether it’s striking a competition like ‘whoever gets this done first gets a candy’ or just annoying me to death to where I actually end up getting up to get away from her 😭 She’s truly been my number 1 support and I couldn’t do it without her! Having someone who’s even able to set timers and go welp time to get up now has helped me greatly!

I do hope the best for you, I know how rough it can be

-SunWolfMoon

@MissGremlin

I really appreciate your understanding about how “the right things” can add another a layer of pressure and feel like another thing we’re not doing well enough. I like the ideas you gave for low-pressure activities too.

@Morty

Not having a car and having a decent amount of land to look after would definitely require a lot of fitness. I really appreciate your encouragement to keep engaging with the forums and see the value in trying to make one small change rather than trying to change everything at once.

@SunWolfMoon

Unfortunately no, I did have a friend I asked to help me last time but she got sick, could help after all, and I spiralled. I think it’s also a little bit of a challenge as it needs to be someone who will be ok if I get totally overwhelmed and can’t hide that I’m not coping. It’s a good suggestion though and I’m genuinely so grateful that your sister is such a support for you. It was really lovely to hear about how she’s able to support you 😊

@Wintersweet as @MissGremlin pointed out also, expectations of the right things to do is not the same for everyone. Knowing your limits and what is possible is good. The basics make it so much easier. Wind back where you can and not a full 180 degree shift. One little thing or just taking a step back can make massive changes to your overall health and perspective. Easy to say and hard to do but you are seeking it and asking for advice. That shows something.

Go to a cinema or comedy show. Can enter and leave at your own choice. Or even volunteer at a nursing home or something like that. Go read a book to someone who really appreciates someone giving them time and has done the hard yards in life who deserves someone to be there for them. They may not have someone and gives you chance to just and be present without any major effort. I have volunteered for a chat service and cannot wait to start that once checks etc have been done. Going to be so valuable to me and the person I connect with. Even some of these suggestions from us all may create a spark in you to find something as you are the centre of you own Universe and know what's best. Trust yourself

@Morty

I really appreciate your wisdom that different people need different things at different times. I think I’m in a place where those things would be too much and I’d just get overwhelmed and shut down entirely, but I can see how they’d be incredibly helpful for someone else.

I think part of the challenge is knowing what’s more related to depression (where going out and doing more has been shown to really help) and neurodivergent burnout (where reducing demands and spending more time with things that are comfortable and familiar has been shown to help). I think part of why I’m finding it tricky is that I have a mix of both but what helps one makes the other worse and vice versa.

@Wintersweet super tough to find that right balance, may you find it (thumbs up emoji)